In a statement to the House of Commons, the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has announced a reform of the planning system and an increase in housing targets.

All councils in England are to be given new, mandatory housing targets to pave the way to deliver 1.5 million more homes – tackling the most acute housing crisis in living memory.  

The new targets will mean councils must boost housebuilding in areas most in need, helping more people buy their own homes, removing the largest barriers to economic growth, and getting Britain building again.  

Rayner explained: "In addition to restoring mandatory housing targets, the method used to calculate them, which relied on decade old data, will be updated. The new method will require councils to ensure homes are built in the right places and development is proportionate to the size of existing communities, while adding an extra level of ambition in the most unaffordable areas.    

"The first port of call for development will be brownfield land. Reforms announced today will make explicit that the default answer to brownfield development should be “yes” and promote homebuilding at greater densities in urban centers, like towns and cities.  

"To help deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years, councils will have to review their green belt land if needed to meet their own target, identifying and prioritising ‘grey belt’ land, which the government has today set out a definition for. 

"Land released in the Green Belt will be subject to the government’s ‘golden rules’, which make clear that development should deliver 50% affordable homes, increase access to green spaces and put the necessary infrastructure is in place, such as schools and GP surgeries.    

"Alongside building the housing that we need, the government is committed to making it easier to build key infrastructure such as laboratories, gigafactories and data centres, as well as making changes to deliver more large onshore wind projects and solar development across the country.   

"In addition to these reforms to the planning system, the government is also taking steps to deliver quality affordable and social housing, working to reverse the continued decline in the number of social rent homes. This includes changes to Right to Buy, giving councils flexibility to use their receipts to build and buy more social homes."

These changes will be followed by further reforms in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to simplify and streamline the planning application process.

The Housing Minister will be hosting a roundtable with the house building sector who have pledged their support for the plan.

Reacting to the announcement Neil Jefferson , CEO of the Home Builders Federation, said: “Today represents the first and most important step ministers have taken in addressing the barriers to delivering new homes. The scale of the government’s housing ambition has given hope to the house building industry that stands ready to increase supply and tackle the country’s housing shortage.

“The planning system has long failed to provide the amount of land needed to address affordability pressures, but in recent years the elimination of housing targets has led to housing supply plummeting. A reformed, more progressive planning system that requires local authorities to meet their communities’ housing needs is a major step forward to address the barriers to delivery.

“The housing market is complex and bringing more land through the planning system will help to turn around ailing housing supply provided affordable mortgage finance can be accessed and buyers are able to purchase new homes.”

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, also welcomed the new targets, stating: “The UK’s planning system has long been in desperate need of reform. Today’s announcement is a statement of intent which will be welcomed by small house builders. The return of national housing targets is good news as is the requirement for councils to demonstrate a five-year land supply for new housing.

“There are fundamental issues with the UK housing system that need tackling to hit the Government’s ambitious targets. We are far too reliant on too few developers to build homes, with smaller developers pushed to one side, damaging competition, and consumer choice. The 50% affordable target on brownfield sites is a concern as many small developers can’t get housing associations to buy their section 106 social homes, meaning homes are going unbuilt.

"Without reform of the social housing system, this will hold back delivery. But behind all of this is a lack of builders to deliver these homes, without a serious plan to boost the vocational skills system in this country, we’ll be unable to deliver 1.5 million homes.”

Andrew Coy, Hot and Cold Product Manager at Wavin, commented: “The reintroduction of mandatory housing targets, of 370,000 houses per year as outlined by Angela Rayner in the House of Commons today is a crucial step towards addressing the UK's longstanding housing shortage. However, achieving these targets requires a balanced approach that prioritises both quantity and quality. To ensure quality homes are built to last, rather than simply to meet quotas, focuses on innovation, efficiency and sustainability must be at the forefront of the building process.

“Plumbing and drainage systems are fundamental to the longevity and performance of any building. Reliable and durable infrastructure is essential for protecting homes from water damage, preventing costly repairs, and ensuring the overall health and wellbeing of residents. Plastic push-fit systems offer a compelling solution for large-scale housing projects by significantly accelerating installation times, reducing labour costs, and providing long-term durability.

“The economic implications of housing targets extend beyond mere construction figures. The successful delivery of new homes can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and revitalise communities. By adopting efficient and cost-effective building methods, such as those enabled by plastic push-fit plumbing systems, developers can optimise project timelines and budgets, contributing to overall economic efficiency. Moreover, a focus on long-lasting, low-maintenance solutions aligns with the broader economic benefits of building quality. Simply put, homes that require fewer repairs and replacements over their lifespan reduce ongoing maintenance costs for homeowners and contribute to the overall financial wellbeing of the housing sector.

“Beyond efficient plumbing indoors, effective water management is also key to creating resilient and sustainable communities. Innovative guttering and drainage systems play a vital role in protecting homes and infrastructure from flooding, erosion, and other water-related damage. By investing in advanced water management solutions, developers can not only safeguard their properties but also contribute to the overall wellbeing of the surrounding community.

“As the housing sector evolves, Wavin is committed to providing innovative and sustainable solutions that not only support the government's ambitious housing targets but also contribute to the long-term economic viability of new housing developments. By working collaboratively with developers, policymakers and industry partners, we can create a future where homes are not only plentiful but also sustainable, resilient, and affordable.”